https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-74-Nightmare-Beast-Water-Serpent-Person-Tree-Spirit/13536277/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-76-Wilderness-Hunter-Artifact-Forging-Master-Soul-Devouring-Shaman/13536283/
Chapter 75: Xin Xi Ya Star Chart Manuscript
Chapter 75 Xin Xi Ya Star Chart Manuscript
As Luo En prepared to inquire about the price, a commotion erupted from the direction of the market square.
The argument from the marketplace interrupted their conversation. The merchant frowned, then apologized with a slight bow.
"It seems something has happened at the central plaza. That’s where High Apprentices usually hold slave duels. You might want to check it out first. These goods aren’t going anywhere—you’re welcome to return whenever you have time."
Luo En considered briefly before deciding to investigate. Public conflicts often concealed valuable information.
As he left Blake’s Exchange, his mind was still processing the merchant’s words.
According to their conversation, almost all middle-tier High Apprentices within the School kept combat slaves. This served both as a status symbol and a practical means of protection.
"I should consider acquiring a combat slave once my position stabilizes and my finances improve", Luo En mused. "Ideally, a hybrid type capable of both ranged and melee combat—something that complements my fighting style."
…
The sky was nearing dusk. A loose circle of apprentices had gathered in the central market square, drawn by the commotion.
Squeezing through the crowd’s gaps, Luo En pushed forward to see what was happening.
Through the throng, his attention sharpened on a familiar figure. The brown long hair and upright posture unmistakably belonged to Cui Xi.
He was about to approach and greet her when he noticed she was locked in confrontation with a woman in a purple gown.
"Who is that? Why are they clashing here?" Luo En asked a nearby apprentice who was watching the scene with interest.
The apprentice turned his head, initially showing irritation, but his expression shifted to surprise upon recognizing Luo En. His attitude instantly softened.
"Apprentice Luo En, long time no see", he nodded politely. "I’m Norris. We met briefly last month when the Enforcement Squad handled the Darend anomaly incident."
Luo En vaguely recalled the name. However, the attention from Madame Ellen and Holt had already elevated his reputation among apprentices.
He nodded politely. "Hello, Apprentice Norris. What exactly is happening over there?"
Norris glanced toward the crowd’s center as he explained.
"The dispute is between Apprentice Cui Xi and Apprentice Xin Xi Ya. Cui Xi is Kelinna’s disciple, while Xin Xi Ya is Ma Shala’s favored student. These two Mentors have always been at odds, and their disciples’ rivalry is nothing new."
"What’s the reason for their conflict?" Luo En asked, frowning slightly.
"They’re arguing over an ancient manuscript detailing star energy conversion techniques." Norris shook his head. "Such scarce resources often spark disputes. Both claim the document belongs to their Mentor’s research."
Luo En felt puzzled. While resources at the Black Mist School weren’t particularly abundant, two Full Mage-level Mentors shouldn’t needlessly quarrel over a minor matter. Perhaps they were merely escalating an existing rivalry.
"The argument isn’t just words anymore", Norris interrupted his thoughts. "It’s about to turn serious."
Their conversation continued amid the crowd’s murmurs—mixing anticipation, concern, and schadenfreude.
Cui Xi stood at one end of the open area. Calm and focused, she radiated quiet confidence.
Facing her was a woman in a purple silk gown crowned with a silver tiara embedded with starlight stones. Her expression hovered between amusement and arrogance, her eyes cold and dismissive.
She appeared older than Cui Xi, her gaze brimming with an almost casual condescension.
"Is that Xin Xi Ya?" Luo En whispered to Norris.
"That’s her", Norris confirmed, his voice carrying a subtle wariness. "She’s dangerous. Rumor says her male slaves rarely survive six months."
"Slaves?" Luo En frowned. "She’s a High Apprentice, right? Does she have time to play with slaves during cultivation?"
"Of course. That’s her biggest hobby", Norris lowered his voice. "Xin Xi Ya has been a High Apprentice for several years and is even a member of the Backup Mage Sequence."
"Could you explain the Backup Mage Sequence in more detail?"
Luo En feigned ignorance. He’d already learned about it from the Elementary Apprentice required reading manual, but he wanted to hear Norris’s firsthand knowledge.
Norris glanced around to ensure no one eavesdropped before whispering.
"It’s an exclusive list for apprentices considered potential candidates to ascend to Full Mage. However, the apprentice manual doesn’t tell the whole story. After joining the Sequence, the School awards points based on their performance. Top-ranked apprentices gain access to more resources and opportunities."
"Cui Xi is in this group too, right?"
"Yes. She joined just a month or two ago", Norris nodded. "But her spiritual aptitude is exceptional, so she started with high points—surpassing even some senior Sequence members, including Xin Xi Ya."
"So this conflict has nothing to do with that manuscript?"
Luo En keenly grasped the crux of the matter.
"Ah, you’re clever. You’re right—it’s not about the manuscript at all", Norris admitted.
Ordinarily, he’d dismiss someone prying this hard. But knowing Luo En was highly regarded by their squad captain, he patiently shared more insights.
"That document isn’t particularly valuable to the two Full Mages. Xin Xi Ya is using it as an excuse. Her real goal is to suppress Cui Xi’s rising status and boost her own Sequence ranking."
As they spoke, the atmosphere at the square’s center grew tense. Xin Xi Ya strode elegantly to the center of the arena.
"My dear little Cui Xi", she began, her voice honeyed yet razor-edged.
"Do you truly believe that ancient text belongs to Mentor Kelinna?"
"Of course", Cui Xi replied calmly, unshaken by the confrontation. "The manuscript clearly records the resonance theory between celestial mapping and spirit waves—precisely the focus of Mentor Kelinna’s recent research."
"Oh?" Xin Xi Ya arched an eyebrow. "How fascinating that a newcomer to the Sequence dares to comment on two Mentors’ work. Do you know what this behavior is called within the Backup Mage Sequence?"
"Disrespect, perhaps—but not disrespect without merit", Cui Xi retorted without yielding. "I’m merely citing publicly recorded data from the School archives. If Senior Sister Xin Xi Ya believes these records are incorrect, she’s welcome to petition the School for corrections."
The surrounding whispers swelled, many apprentices visibly surprised. Cui Xi’s composure seemed far beyond what one would expect from a recent Intermediate Apprentice.
Xin Xi Ya’s expression darkened. She hadn’t anticipated her carefully crafted verbal traps being dismantled so effortlessly.
"Fine", she suddenly changed tactics, her lips curling into a dangerous smile. "Since words won’t resolve this, I propose we settle the manuscript’s ownership through the School’s traditional method."
(End of Chapter)
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